ABOUT US

SEED Group is a diversified company operating in industries including technology, healthcare, tourism & hospitality, and real estate. Since its conceptualization in 2000, the group has transformed into a front-runner in multiple business sectors. Our greatest strength lies in forming strategic partnerships with organizations looking to establish a strong presence in the GCC. Our advantage is the extensive knowledge and invaluable expertise we possess of the MENA business landscape and our commitment to advancing the interests of our partners. We strive to provide service excellence and a unique experience to all clients through our professional and passionate teams.

VISION

The group’s vision is simple. We seek to improve the quality of life for our customers by continuously improving our products, services, and delivery systems.

MISSION

Our mission is to deliver to our customers what we promise them, and strive to exceed their expectations as much as possible.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

As SEED Group, we are passionate about business in the region. This sentiment applies to our executives as well. Our management team is comprised of experienced entrepreneurs and industry specialists, bringing years of experience both internationally and in the GCC. They cultivate our strong culture, and work tirelessly to help our partners scale, grow, and succeed.

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dubai owes its transformation into a modern port city and commercial hub to one of the more successful rulers in the Middle East, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. His famous line, "My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my son drives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel." reflected his concern that Dubai's oil will run out in a decade or two. Thus he worked to build up an economy in Dubai that could survive the end of Dubai's oil boom.

Seed Group traces back its conceptualization to the time of independence of the United Arab Emirates. Strongly influenced by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s famous lines; Seed Group has been an innovator and change leader growing from its modest beginnings to being one of the strong forces to reckon with in the region. We believe strongly in delivering winning business outcomes through our deep industry experience and a doing business harnessing the latest technology. Our focus is our clients and to create successful and adaptive businesses and solutions to keep them engaged and satisfied.

Seed Group is a market leader in its niche segments in the region. In the last few years which have been tumultuous for businesses across geographies; I am proud to say that Seed Group has not only survived but expanded its horizon of vision and operation and delivering solutions appreciated and haled by its clients.

In the coming years, Seed Group wants to continue exceeding our customer and stakeholder expectations and facilitate growth and prosperity for our economy. We look forward in the years to come to become a company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, a specialist's approach to delivering innovation and its commitment to sustainability, customer orientation and being thought and change leaders.

Sincerely,

Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum
Chairman

OUR COMPANIES

Vicom was formed in 2004 as an initiative to create a platform that’s serves to connect their stakeholders including partners, clients, peers and professionals associates.

SEED Entrepreneurship Center was developed with one goal in mind; to empower locally active business executives and aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge, skills and tools to truly succeed in their entrepreneurship journey.

Jollibee Foods Corporation, is a Filipino multinational chain of fast food restaurants headquartered in Pasig City. JFC is the owner of the popular fast food brand Jollibee, dubbed as Asia's answer to McDonald's in the fast food burger business.

YDreams is a reference in innovative projects and products that combine Augmented and Virtual Reality Technology, Design and Intelligence to respond to challenges and demands of today's users and consumers.

PM Screen is one of the leading global providers of complete special media installation solutions. Their tailor-made shows and displays will transform any occasion - from product presentations to festival shows to those special moments in life - into an unforgettable experience.

PALAMI Group is manufacturing and trading in ultimate quality LED indoor and outdoor screens, flexible curtains and media facades. The company design complete LED technology solutions for stadiums, sport arenas, stages, architectural and advertising industries.

Tambi studios is one of the leading film, video and post production facilities in the Middle East. They offer international production companies and advertising agencies a ‘one stop shop’ in film production.

MCH Labs provides high end quality products for fertility treatments. The product line they represent is a full portfolio of well established medical products in the field of reproductive medicine, ambulant gynecological surgery as well as conservative gynecology.

My Way Tourism understands that it’s the personal touches that make a dream holiday come true. They offer an exceptionally high level of service including excursions and tour packages at extremely competitive prices.

Darmik specializes in introducing businesses to emerging markets. Darmik has a mission to provide 1st world and 3rd world businesses with vision, strategy and executable plans into the often daunting emerging markets of Africa and the Middle East.

DOING BUSINESS WITH US

SEED Group has become a notable force in the technology, healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications landscape in the GCC. We have achieved this with a combination of strategic partners, active ownership and business investments. There are two ways you can do business with us:

We Partner

Over the past 16 years, we have formed strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions and industries. They have propelled their business interests and goals in the MENA region through our support and strong base of regional connections. Our goal is simple, to create mutually beneficial partnerships with multinational organizations and to accelerate their sustainable market entry and presence within the GCC.

We Invest

At SEED Group, we are truly passionate about business in the region. We have a diverse mix of companies that we own and/or invest in. Through board participation, our regional experience, network and financial strength, we strive to make our companies best-in-class. Our brands and relationships are built on trust, integrity and an above-and-beyond delivery. If we cannot add significant value, we don’t invest.

Hisham Al Gurg

With over 18 years of experience in setting up and running new ventures in the MENA region, Mr. Algurg is a pioneer in the region for his visionary approach, high profile networking, and for concluding and managing large regional projects and investments worth more than 1.06 Billion USD.

Presently he is managing the private investments and strategic partnerships activities of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum. He is also the CEO of Al Fajer Investments & Development, an investment division of Al Fajer Enterprises, a holding group of companies owned by His Highness Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum. Both Sheikhs are members of the Royal family of Dubai.

As a CEO of Seed Group, he is managing 8 growing companies in 6 diversified industries with other UAE and International partners.

He is also the UAE sponsor of the Chinese petroleum giant “Sinopec Petroleum”. Sinopec Petroleum is one of the largest energy corporations in the world, headquartered in Beijing.

Syed Mohammad Furqan

Syed Furqan manages international partnerships and joint ventures for SEED Group. He has worked in the region for over 10 years, accumulating extensive in experience in high profile retail, interior design, and healthcare related projects. He completed his studies at the Australian Swinburne University of Technology in 2005 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations.

Talal Kocache

Talal Kocache is a Senior Business Development Director for SEED Group. Talal is also an established entrepreneur with more than 12 years of experience in the UAE. His extensive career in the construction and contracting industry has given him a deep knowledge and invaluable expertise in international contract management, procurement and global trade. He uses this insight to identify high value investment projects for the group. Having graduated from the Concordia University and American University of Beirut in 2002 with A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Economics.

Zandile Mnguni

Zandile Mnguni is the Head of Operations for SEED Group. In this role, she manages all aspects of business operations, including communications, partnerships & special projects. A big believer in the importance of a robust startup eco-system in the socio-economic landscape, Zandile was instrumental in establishing the SEED Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center.

She is a qualified communications specialist and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, her native country. Zandile is no stranger to corporate learning & development initiatives having spent over 6 years developing marketing, communications, operations & sales strategies for commercial conferences and trade shows. Before joining SEED Group in 2015, she worked for a well-known conferencing and exhibitions company in New York, specializing in Big Data & Analytics topics. Zandile's varied background in research, communications & events project management provides the perfect foundation for handling multiple portfolios, partners and projects for the group.

Kevin Arnold

Kevin Arnold is Executive Director at Seed Group, actively managing the private investments and strategic partnerships activities with potential clients in the Australia & New Zealand region. Kevin being innovative and proactive in the fields of IT & Construction sector opens a new horizon. Kevin is the Founder / CEO of Fusion SD, an innovative IT company that has developed state-of-the-art products includes AMS, VSR and DIS for the automobile Industry with cutting edge technologies. Fusion SD has superb clientele including the likes of Bentley, Rolls Royce, Mercedes Benz, BMW and Lexus. Kevin is also a board member of ACA Alliance for an Australian construction company with undertaking Private and Government large-scale projects, in both Australia and the Middle East, Kevin is also a Board member of Arnold Constructions a prominent and fast growing design and construction company in Australia. Kevin is also the Chairman of the Board for Centrex Constructions for the last 8 years. He is uniquely qualified to handle all aspects of managing and growing the Seed Group, and is in charge of its day-to-day operations in the Australia & New Zealand Region.He holds a Bachelor's in Construction Management from University of Western Sydney Australia.

Krists has gained high level business and market knowledge and built valuable business relationship in the region during his successful development of restaurants and hotels in the Baltic countries. It is accompanied by his managerial experience in the retail business as Krists also runs his family company Batas Avots, emerging bottled water producer represented in all major markets around the world. Krists previous experience and contacts are core assets for the TPO group companies and their partners. ​​Recently Krists has become mentor for several start-up companies in the region sharing his knowledge and experience as a successful business leader in order to foster start-up friendly environment in his hometown Liepāja. His main motivation is a strive for new technologies and innovations that could highly improve existing products in the market or bring new ground-breaking solutions. ​

Mohammed Al Banna

Al Banna forms and manages international and local strategic partnerships and joint ventures for SEED Group. He has more than a decade of experience in Dubai, having worked with ABN, Rak Bank and Emaar Properties subsidiary Amlak Finance PJSC. Al Banna is an MBA graduate and has the ability to leverage on business opportunities and create innovative value to customers through advisory and financial solutions.

Company’s new Sydney operation supports current growth in a number of Australian companies doing business with the UAE.

Dubai, 23/08/2016

The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum recently celebrated the opening of its first international operations in Sydney, an economic hub of Australia.
Established to leverage the surge in the number of Australian companies setting up in the UAE, it will act as a strategic partner for companies looking to export their products and services into the UAE.

“The Private Office’s Australian office will allow us to widen our reach in key industries that align with our country’s current and future growth plans.
Establishing in Sydney will allow us to expand our core teams to promote mutual investment and support the growth we are experiencing.” said Hisham Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer for The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum.
“The Sheikh is very excited about the expansion and this move represents his commitment to continue to build on the successes we have accomplished.”

He added that The Private Office links the right people, knowledge and resources to bring about the strongest possible outcome.
The company offers their partners support and exposure that will directly benefit the Australian and UAE relations and greater economic growth.

About The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum

The Private Office was established by His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum to directly invest in potential business opportunities in the region which meets the private office investment criteria.

Leveraging on the wealth of expertise of the Private Office’s management team, we aim to attract smart and ambitious business projects, thoroughly evaluate their market potential and comprehensively assess their potential and risk. Our strategy targets sectors and markets where the United Arab Emirates has a distinctive and significant competitive advantage such as tourism, real estate, media, technology, and banking.

For information contact,

DUBAI:

The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum Announces New Office branch in London, United Kingdom

Dubai, 10/11/2016

Headquartered in Dubai, The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum continues to expand its global presence with the opening of a new office located at Dashwood House at 69 Old Broad Street, London's prime financial and business district. This is the second international branch following the company’s “Global Launch” in Sydney Australia earlier this year.

The new London operation aims to be first point of contact for British organizations looking to grow into the United Arab Emirates and surrounding regions. In Dubai, a memorandum of understanding between the Dubai Economic Council and the British Business Group was signed establishing a partnership for a common agenda on the development of two-way economic relations.“The UAE has always had a strong economic relation with the UK. In the past five years we have seen a sharp increase in the number of UK based companies expanding into our region. Growing our own organization into the UK made sense,” according to Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum in Dubai.

About The Private Office

The Private Office was established by His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum to directly invest in potential business opportunities in the region which meets the private office investment criteria.

Leveraging on the wealth of expertise of the Private Office’s management team, we aim to attract smart and ambitious business projects, thoroughly evaluate their market potential and comprehensively assess their potential and risk. Our strategy targets sectors and markets where the United Arab Emirates has a distinctive and significant competitive advantage such as tourism, real estate, media, technology, and banking.

For information contact,

DUBAI, UAE:

YDreams Global signs Cooperation Agreement with the SEED Group from Dubai and starts operation in the Middle East with focus in Virtual Reality and Smart City initiatives

Dubai, 22/05/2017

YDreams Global Interactive Technologies Inc. (“YDreams Global” or the "Company") (TSXV: YD; YDRMF: USA; FSE: A2AP0L), a creative and technology supplier for Fortune 500 brands such as Cisco, Qualcomm, Intel and Coca-Cola, would like to announce that it is now an official partner of the SEED Group, a group of diversified companies owned and chaired by The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum.

Over the past 16 years, the SEED Group has formed strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions and industries. These companies have propelled their business interests and goals in the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region through the support and strong base of regional connections of the SEED Group. The Group’s goal is to create mutually beneficial partnerships with multinational organizations and to accelerate their sustainable market entry and presence within the GCC. SEED Group has been a key point in the success of all its partners in the region helping them reach to their target customers and accelerate their businesses more rapidly.

The Private Office was established by Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum to directly invest in potential business opportunities in the region which meet The Private Office's investment criteria.

Daniel Japiassu, CEO of YDreams Global, went to Dubai to represent the Company and sign the Cooperation Agreement with Mr. Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of the SEED Group.

About YDreams Global

YDreams Global Interactive Technologies Inc. (www.ydreamsglobal.com) is a technology company with offices in Vancouver, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, that combines Augmented and Virtual Reality Technology, Design and Intelligence to respond to the challenges and demands of today’s users and consumers.

YDreams Global works as a partner for companies and brands to reframe their strategy through relevant human-centred ventures that integrate digital experience with the physical presence and venues. YDreams Global anticipates future challenges and connects them with the needs of the market, building innovative concepts and delivering them with international excellence.

For information contact,

SEED Group signs a JV to open Jollibee UAE

Golden Crown Foods LLC (GCFL) a subsidiary of SEED Group, is set to satiate the appetites of the 810,000 plus Filipinos living in the UAE by signing a joint agreement with Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) that will see Jollibee restaurants opening up across the nation.

Established and now a market leader in the Philippines with more than 811 outlets, Jollibee is a hugely popular restaurant chain serving American-style fast-food with Filipino-influenced dishes.

Mrs. Hala Badri, CEO of UAE-based Golden Crown, said “the agreement was timely and exciting for the UAE.” “The Middle East hosts one of the largest concentrations of overseas Filipino workers so we have an established fan base here. We’re looking forward to introducing the rest of the UAE to Jollibee’s delicious menu and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant’s extensive range of dishes is sure to be a hit with both expats and locals.

“The growth potential is exciting based on the popularity of the existing Jollibee restaurants in the Middle East. We’re very encouraged by the results posted by the 16 existing Jollibee restaurants located in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait with sales last year rising 28%.

Dates for opening the chain in the UAE are yet to be announced.

Golden Crown LLC is a subsidiary of SEED Group of companies, owned by Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum. The group has been operating in the UAE since 2004 in diversified industries such as Legal Services, Telecommunications, Food & Beverages, Trading, Interior & Architectural Design, and Media Production. (www.seedgroup.com).

JFC operates the largest food service network in the Philippines with 2,181 stores, including Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal and Burger King. The Jollibee Group has 583 stores overseas. For further information or images, please contact: Lena Arkawi - Marketing & PR Director

Etisalat Group has announced today signing of Group Framework Agreement across its 16 operation with UAE based company VICOM, a member of SEED Group, to introduce Ad funded Calls Service as a groundbreaking method for Digital Advertising Medium. Ad Funded Call Service which is also known as YPAY. provide customers with a free call or mobile data in exchange for viewing or listening to an advertisement.

Mr. Khalifa Al Shamsi - Chief Digital Officer at Etisalat Group “Digital Advertising in the MENA has been growing rapidly and substantially. It has increased from 10% in 2011 to reach to 13% from the total ad spend in 2104 with a continuation to grow up to 18% in 2017. This is due mainly to important things, One is that our purchasing habits has been changed to be more digital and Second brands are hungry to have a more interactive relationship with their customers. The only medium that will secure such requirement is Digital Advertising.”

“With that on mind and on the fact that Etisalat is striving to keep its 145 Million customers connected in the most advanced ways possible. We are pleased to introduce yet another way of staying in touch with friends and family – and adding value and benefits along the way. So it’s not only the minutes and mobile data that customers will get for free but also the special offers, discounts and deals that are of interest to them and based within in local area in an extremely targeted, specialized method of advertising. It’s that Simple” Mr. Al Shamsi added.

Mr Hisham AlGurg, CEO of VICOM, said working with Etisalat to bring YPAY to Etisalat footprint is an honor, and that the partnership would provide excellent opportunities not only for consumers but equally for SMEs as well” “YPAY offers SMEs and start-ups an exceptional opportunity to communicate with their targeted customers in a unique and cost effective manner. In addition, it provides an extremely efficient way for businesses to diversify the scope and reach of their advertising campaigns” Mr. Al Gurg added.

Etisalat will offer complete campaign performance metrics, enabling advertisers to monitor results and performance, adjust budgets, pause or delete any campaign, and analyze the usage of the service via an online dedicated portal. Etisalat is aiming to capture at least 20% of its existing customer base of 145 million with the YPAY advertising solution.

Vodafone and UAE Seed Group Announce a Strategic Partnership

Vodafone, the leading global telecom player has signed a partnership agreement with Dubai-based Seed Group. This pact gives Vodafone xone’s startups access to the UAE market. Vodafone xone is Vodafone’s venture capital, incubation, and entrepreneurship support unit.

The agreement was signed by Eng. Khaled Hegazy, Vodafone Egypt External Affairs & Legal Director, and Mr. Hesham Al-Gurg, Seed Group CEO. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mr. Atef Helmy, Egypt’s Minister of Communications & Information Technology. Helmy praised this promising partnership that strengthens cooperation between Egypt and the UAE and unlocks new development opportunities in the telecom sector.

Eng. Khaled Hegazy said “We at Vodafone Egypt are happy with this new partnership that confirms Vodafone Xone’s role in supporting promising projects and helping them grow through investment, incubation and business development services.” He reiterated Vodafone’s commitment to support entrepreneurship as an important pillar for developing the telecom sector and revitalizing the Egyptian economy.

Mr. Hisham Al-Gurg stated, “We did not hesitate to partner with Vodafone; as we realize the innovation and ambitions of the Vodafone Xone entrepreneurs. We will provide all the support needed to the Xone companies in the UAE relying on our expertise in the UAE market.”

The signing ceremony took place at the Egyptian Ministry of Communications & Information Technology booth in GITEX Exhibition in Dubai. It was attended by a substantial number of Egyptian telecom journalists, UAE telecom officials, and GITEX visitors. Furthermore, three of Xone’s startups (Eshtery, Eventtus, Gyrolabs) were represented at the Egyptian booth.

Seed Group signs a regional partnership agreement with Casa Forma London

In partnership with Seed Group, Casa Forma, the London based bespoke luxury interior and architectural design firm will be headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, offering its luxury design and property search services to the MENA region by December 2012.

Casa Forma’s strategy is to expand to the MENA region to provide discerning clientele bespoke interior and architectural design for high end residential, commercial, hospitality, marine, and aviation sectors.

The primary objective of the cooperation is to expand CellulAD value added products and services into the MENA region by capitalizing on Seed Telecom’s strong connections with regional mobile operators.

The contract will see Seed Telecom strengthen its already established presence in Telecommunication Consulting.

Seed Group joins hands with Tambi Studios

Seed Group signs a joint venture deal with Tambi Studios. Tambi studios is a film video and post production studio offering international production companies and advertising agencies a ‘one stop shop’ in film and video production. The contract sees Seed Group venture into a new division of Media Production.

The new division inconsonance with Tambi Studios will work on various creative initiatives including corporate marketing videos, restoration of old media, and radio & TV commercials.